The American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp is a residential summer theatre intensive for students aged 13-18. Participants preview the college experience by spending 3-4 weeks living on campus at Mary Baldwin University and performing in the world's only recreation of Shakespeare's Blackfriars Playhouse. This camp boasts a unique combination of performance training, academic discovery, preparation for college life and learning, and the magic of meeting others with the same passion.
The ASC Theatre Camp is a residential program run by the American Shakespeare Center in partnership with Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia. The program offers two in-person sessions with slightly different formats: the Classic Session (Session 1) and the Renaissance Session (Session 2).
SESSION 1: CLASSIC SESSION
Length: three weeks
Open to: rising 8th graders through rising college freshman ages 13+
Total number of campers: 30-40
Shows: The Winter’s Tale, Cymbeline, Mucedorus (by Anonymous)
About: Campers audition on their first full day of camp to be cast in one of the session’s three shows. Campers spend the next three weeks working with a director and a production team to mount their show in the Blackfriars Playhouse as part of the Final Performance Festival at the end of the session. The Classic Session is perfect for first-time performers and seasoned camp veterans alike.
SESSION 2: RENAISSANCE SESSION
Length: four weeks
Open to: rising sophomores through rising college freshmen ages 16+
Total number of campers: 12-15
Show: The Tempest
Campers spend the first week on ensemble movement training and script preparation with camp staff, and audition at the beginning of the second week to receive their casting in the session’s show. The Camp Company spends the next three weeks working together to mount their collaboratively-directed production in the Blackfriars Playhouse at the end of the session. The Renaissance Session is intended for campers who have participated in at least one session of the ASC Theatre Camp already, and may not be suitable for first-time performers.
Q: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CLASSIC SESSION AND THE RENAISSANCE SESSION, AND WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND EACH? A: The Classic Session is shorter (three weeks), larger (up to 40 campers), and multi-faceted. Campers will work on multiple shows with the oversight of directors, and participate in a variety of activities designed to give them a well-rounded theatrical experience.
The Classic Session is open to campers ages 13+ (rising 8th graders through rising college freshmen) and is suitable for anyone looking for an intense, immersive theatrical program focused on the work of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. No prior experience with Shakespeare or performance is required.
The Renaissance Session is longer (four weeks), smaller (up to 15 campers), and more focused. Campers will work on a single show without the oversight of a director, and participate in a variety of activities designed to serve their work on that show.
The Renaissance session is open to campers 16+ (rising sophomores through rising college freshmen) and is suitable for those who have already attended some version of the ASC Theatre Camp (or who have equivalent performance training and experience) and are ready to take their skills to the next level.
Q: HOW DO I GET IN TO THE ASC THEATRE CAMP? A: Attendance at Camp is by acceptance only: all prospective campers must apply to attend their selected session. Accepted campers will be sent an invitation to register. Please note that acceptance does not guarantee attendance! We will not hold an accepted camper’s spot until registration is complete.
Q: CAN CAMPERS ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS? A: At this time, we are recommending campers apply to attend only one session. Campers who apply for the Renaissance Session and are waitlisted or not accepted may then apply for the Classic Session.
